The Reindeer Fun Run will bring holiday fun to the streets of Aberdeen Saturday, Dec. 3, to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Reindeer Fun Run has experienced exponential growth over the years, and is forecasting its largest attendance ever. It started in 2007 with just under 400 participants, and this year it will welcome well over 2,000 runners, walkers and children. The key to its incredible success has been the relentless efforts by its organizers to make each year bigger and better than the last.

"We're constantly looking for way to improve the event," says David Petsolt, who founded the Reindeer Fun Run with his wife, Kate Petsolt, in 2007. "Our focus is planning a great event that brings the community together in support of an organization that is making a difference in Moore County."

That organization is the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills. Their programs serve more than 1,000 children in Moore County. Their mission is to deter children from risky behavior by educating and nurturing them through after-school programs, drug prevention workshops, athletics and an array of productive activities. In its five-year history, the Reindeer Fun Run has donated $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills.

"The Reindeer Fun Run welcomes participants of all ages and all athletic abilities, and even your furry four-legged friends," says Petsolt. "The only requirement is that participants and onlookers be prepared to swarm the streets of Aberdeen in their best holiday-inspired garb and have tons of fun while supporting an amazing organization."

Race day will kick off at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. The events include a 10K run, a 5K run/walk, and the Kids Egg Nog Jog. The Reindeer Fun Run will also feature the Chick-fil-A Kids Zone that will offer pony rides, photos with Santa, face-painting and more. The festivities will continue until early afternoon.

Those interested in participating in the Reindeer Fun Run can register by visiting http://www.reindeerfunrun. com. The website also features more information about volunteering opportunities, sponsor information and race day activities. All proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills.